How much does junk removal cost?

The prices in the table and graphic above are national average junk removal costs. Source: Thumbtack

Junk removal prices can vary depending on several factors, such as the size and weight of the items you're removing. In this comprehensive guide, we'll discuss all the factors influencing junk removal costs. You'll learn the pros and cons of DIY-ing junk removal vs. hiring professional services. We'll also share tips to save on junk removal costs so you can declutter your space without straining your budget.

• Junk removal pricing by city
• Junk removal cost factors
• Costs by truckload amount
• Pricing by junk type
• DIY junk removal vs. professional services
• Signs junk removal is worth the cost
• How to save on junk removal costs
• How to select a professional junk removal service

The cost to hire professional junk removal services will vary by city. Here's a snapshot of average pricing in some of the biggest U.S. cities:

Source: Thumbtack

How does junk removal pricing work? Several elements impact the cost of junk removal services. Let's delve into all of them:

Junk size and weight.

"Pricing is [typically] based on the average expenses for fuel, labor, and the weight of items that are being removed," says Andreas Markussen, owner of Junkit Georgia in Marietta, Georgia and a current Top Pro on Thumbtack.

Larger and heavier items usually cost more to remove due to the labor and resources required. When requesting junk removal quotes from professionals near you, give them accurate details about your the size of the items you want removed. You may even want to send them photos or see if they can come to your location and view the items in person.

Also, transfer stations and landfills charge based on weight. “I always tell customers it's much more affordable to dump a truck full of cardboard than a truck full of concrete,” says Daniel Jones, owner of Junk Miners in Carlsbad, California.

Junk volume.

The volume or amount of junk also affects the cost. "Spacing on the truck also plays a part due to how many loads it would take [to haul away the items]," says Andreas.

Junk removal companies often charge based on how much space your junk occupies in their trucks. “When talking about volume, I use cubic feet,” says Daniel. “A standard truck bed is 60 cubic feet.”

Oversized junk may require bigger vehicles or multiple trips, thus increasing the cost.

Junk type and dumping fees.

The specific objects and materials you're removing closely impact the factors mentioned earlier (size, weight, and volume), as well as local disposal fees.

"Pianos and bulk items are normally the most expensive to remove due to dumping fees and difficulty of removing them from the space in the home," explains Andreas. "Dumping fees are what it costs to dispose of the items picked up. They can vary depending on the area the job is in. And certain items like paints cost more because they're considered hazardous waste."

See a real example of local dumping fees here.

Location and accessibility.

The placement of your items and their accessibility can also influence the cost. If they’re in a hard-to-access area or need special removal equipment, you may need to pay more for professional services. Situations like stairs, narrow passages, or limited parking can complicate the process.

Thumbtack data found that national average junk removal prices can differ slightly if there are stairs or an elevator:

• Elevator: $274 average cost
• No stairs: $290 average cost
• Stairs: $298 average cost

Knowing these factors can help you estimate your costs more accurately. Ask your junk removal provider to explain what factors impact their pricing so you have a better understanding of what you're paying for.

Additional services needed.

You may require more than someone removing a heavy couch or several boxes of old clothes. Some junk removal companies may offer additional services that can add to the price.

Deck demolition and haul away project. Photo credit: JunkIt Georgia.

If you think you need any of these services, make sure you know much they cost:

• Construction waste and debris removal
• Decluttering and cleaning out rooms
• Demolition services
• Dumpster rentals
• Yard and landscaping cleanup

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Here's an overview of the national average cost to remove junk depending on how much space the junk fills up in a pickup truck, according to Thumbtack data:

Source: Thumbtack

Important note: Some junk removal companies may also have price estimates for smaller loads like 1/8 of a truck or 1/4 of a truck. If you don't have a large amount of junk to haul away, ask your pro if they can provide cost estimates for smaller loads.

Removing furniture, appliances, and electronics will typically cost around $255, which is less than hauling away yard waste, construction debris, and scrap metal (which costs approximately $378, on average).

Pro tip: Always check with your provider to confirm they can remove your items. And keep in mind that junk removal companies often need a license to remove hazardous materials (like batteries and antifreeze), says Daniel.

You have two primary options for junk removal: DIY or hiring professional services. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, including differences in pricing.

DIY junk removal is often cheaper than hiring a professional. For example, consider a dumpster rental. 

"If you want to save money, it's better to order a dumpster because there are no labor costs for filling the dumpster," says Andreas. 

Important note: Do not put hazardous water in dumpsters or bring them to a landfill or transfer station. You may receive a fine for doing so, says Daniel. 

But keep in mind that a dumpster rental might cost more than junk removal, depending on the load size and type of junk.

If you don't have the time or means to load the dumpster with oversized items, hiring a professional is a better solution. Consider getting free estimates from both and compare prices.

You can also consider bringing your items to a transfer station or landfill. Still, it requires the right equipment and safety precautions.For example, you may need gloves, masks, a dolly, or a truck. Also, handling heavy items and sharp objects can pose risks.

While DIY removal may initially seem more affordable due to no labor costs, the total expenses — including time, effort, and equipment rentals — can add up. Professional services offer convenience and expertise, ensuring efficient handling, and proper disposal of unwanted items.

When you can’t find a free local junk removal service, your next step is to consider DIY-ing this project vs. booking a professional. But, is hiring a junk removal pro worth the cost?

If any of these facts apply to you, hiring a professional is the best route to take:

• There are no free curbside junk removal services in your area.
• You must remove large, heavy, bulky items (furniture, appliances, etc.).
• You don't have the necessary equipment to remove the junk safely and efficiently.
• You're working on a major renovation or landscaping project and need to remove debris quickly to avoid delaying it.

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Is hiring a pro outside of your budget? Here are some practical tips to help make junk removal pricing more affordable:

1. Make it easy for the pro to remove your junk. The easier it is for the pro to move your items, the faster they can work — and the less you'll probably pay. Remove obstacles and clear a path for the pro. 
2. DIY smaller items and save bigger projects for the pros. Andreas says you "can take items to the local transfer stations or landfills nearby if [you] have a means of transportation." Meanwhile, let a professional handle removing bulky items and demolition.
3. Sell items in good condition. Instead of throwing away items that are still in good condition, sell them to help offset the cost of junk removal.
4. Schedule removal during off-peak seasons. Booking services when there is less demand may result in lower junk removal pricing and greater availability. For example, it may be cheaper to avoid hiring junk removal services when people are moving during the summer or in the process cleaning during the spring. Ask your pro when's the most affordable time to book their services in your city.
5. See if you can bundle your junk removal with a new purchase. For example, if you're buying a new mattress or appliance, ask the company you're purchasing it from if they can haul away your old item for free.
6. Search for free junk removal services near you. Finally, this is often the cheapest way to haul away junk. Depending on where you live, you might find a service (like this one in San Francisco, California) that can remove bulky items at no extra charge to you. Review the service’s policies to ensure your junk is on the list of items they can pick up for free.